Looking for some good bakeware? It’s hard to compare them all, but here’s a selection to help you find the best bakeware set for your needs. It covers the traditional ceramic and the nonstick ceramic that includes a hybrid design.
Why ceramic is the best bakeware material
Ceramic makes the best bakeware material when it comes to style and versatility. Plus…
- There’s also no leaching of metals to taint your food.
- They hold and distribute the heat superbly for even cooking of pies, flans, and more.
- With ceramic pie dishes, you get perfect cooking of the center and nice browning and crusting of the edges that you won’t get with metal containers.
- Solid ceramic bakeware can go in the microwave, whereas metal pans can’t.
- They retain the warmth of the food better than metal pans and are great for serving at the table.
Types of ceramic bakeware
There are two ceramic bakeware types I’m going to talk about here: nonstick (inc. hybrid) and traditional (solid ceramic).
Non-stick ceramic coated bakeware
I include the hybrid ceramic in this category.
The nonstick ceramic type has a ceramic coating somewhat like that of the ceramic nonstick cookware sets and frypans. The beauty of this bakeware is there’s no need to use cooking oil or butter to grease it.
If you love homemade cookies and cakes but dislike having to grease the pans every time, then you’ll want the best non-stick bakeware to make baking a whole lot easier and enjoyable.
The thing about the ceramic coating is it is PTFE-free and so it is the best bakeware material for nonstick if you are concerned about the use of PTFE vs ceramic.
The thing to remember thous is that you can’t use these in the microwave, unlike the solid type that’s the traditional ceramic bakeware.
Traditional ceramic baking dish
The traditional bakeware, the one that is ceramic throughout, is solid ceramic, just like the 100% ceramic cookware and the bowl and lid bread baking set by Kitchenaid. If you love home-roasted foods, casseroles, or pies and flans, you’ll want the best casserole cookware, baking pan, or pie plate in this range. What’s good about this range is its durability and style.
Best ceramic bakeware reviews
This selection includes pure ceramic bakeware as well as the nonstick or hybrid type from some of the best bakeware brands on the market. I focus on ceramic material in oven cookware and this includes non stick cookie sheets and cake pans, and ceramic pie and casserole dishes.
Compare best bakeware for…
| Item | Type | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Made In |
Editor’s Pick – French Design Fine porcelain Naturally non-stick Microwave, Freezer, Oven to table |
View it! |
| Caraway Bakeware |
Best complete set Storage system included Oven safe to 550ºF Ceramic nonstick |
View! |
| Emile Henry* |
Best for pumpkin pie Solid ceramic Versatile |
View it! |
| CasaWare* |
Best for toaster oven Nonstick ceramic Not for microwave |
View it! |
| Farberware Purecook |
Best for easy clean up Hybrid ceramic Not for microwave |
View it! |
| Staub |
Best for baking n serving Solid ceramic |
View it! |
| Rachael Ray Cucina* |
Best stoneware bakeware with lid Solid ceramic Versatile |
View it! |
CasaWare*  |
Best for pull apart breads Nonstick ceramic Versatile Not for microwave |
View it! |
Read on for reviews of these bakeware pieces…
Made In bakeware set
The Made In company manufacture their stainless steel clad pans in the USA. Here’s what the company says about their bakeware: “Made In’s Porcelain Bakeware line is produced in France in a facility that has perfected the process over 200 years. It’s made from 3 ingredients and baked three times in the production process to ensure we produce the finest porcelain pieces in the world.”
| Made-In Bakeware Set
|
Where to buy Made-In bakeware set:
Caraway ceramic-coated bakeware sets
Caraway Home have a complete bakeware set in the ceramic nonstick range. Included is a storage system that is not only a great space saver and organizer to keep your kitchen tidy, but it also keeps your baking pans, sheets, and trays in good order and from getting damaged. And it looks amazing!
Pros of the Caraway ceramic coated bakeware set
You can choose from a seven amazing colors to suit the style and decor of your kitchen.
The complete set includes 9 pieces of bakeware to cover all baking and roasting needs. It has 2 baking sheets, a 12-cup muffin pan, 2 round cake pans, a square pan, a loaf pan, a rectangle pan, and a cooling rack.
Caraway claim their coating has none of the nasties like PFOA, PTFE, other PFAs, lead, cadmium, or toxic metals: It’s “a mineral-based coating that won’t leach toxic materials into your clean and healthy ingredients.” And they refrain from using any form of hard anodization.
What else to love:
- Oven safe to 550 ºF (290 ºC)
- Stainless steel handles that add a touch of class
What to know
You can use these with very high temperatures in the oven, which is great, but the handles can get very hot to touch so make sure to use oven mitts or pot holders. Best to avoid the dishwasher — hand washing is always best for maintaining nonstick products.
As is always the rule with nonstick, stick to using bamboo, wooden, silicone, plastic, or nylon, not metal utensils.
Each storage holder is 20.75″ x 6″ x 8.25″ (52.71 x 15.25 x 21 cm) and I’ve calculated the height when stored is about 13″ (~33 cm) based on the highest piece. It’s good to know you can store these neatly in a cabinet, a deep drawer, and even on the kitchen counter where they don’t look out of place…
You can also choose a Half Set which is a 5 piece set including one storage holder that has a 12-cup muffin pan, a rectangle baking pan, and 2 baking sheets.
Where to buy Caraway Home bakeware sets:
Emile Henry ceramic bakeware review
Emile Henry Set of 2
available at Amazon
Looking for a product from one of the best bakeware brands?
This product is manufactured in France by Emile Henry — one of the few ceramic bakeware brands that have been manufacturing ovenware for over a century. The Henry family are known for their carefully hand-crafted bakeware.
This Emile Henry 9″ pie dish can be used in oven temperatures of up to 520ºF. It has a fluted edge and is ideal for pies, quiches, and gratins (not to mention that pumpkin pie!).
The weight, height, and thickness of this pie dish and the angle of its sides make it perfect for deep-dish pies. Crusts bake evenly and nicely and the interior is baked to perfection as heat is distributed evenly.
It is dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and the manufacturers claim it can go directly from freezer/refrigerator to a hot oven to table.
It has an extremely hard glaze on the exterior and so it is stylish as well as easy to clean. It comes with a 10-year warranty.
Pros of the Emile Henry
Attractive. Fluted edges. Heats evenly for a crusty pie. A good size for pies, quiches, and gratin. Comes with a 10-year warranty.
Where to Buy Emile Henry pie set: Get it at Amazon (click link above), or if you prefer…
Cons
As with all opaque pie dishes, the crust beneath the surface can’t be seen to know when the base of the baked goods is perfectly browned. Experience with use will help.
Not for the stovetop.
Bakeware with lid – Rachael Ray Cucina stoneware review
Looking for ceramic bakeware with lid? Here’s a set at a price that’s affordable. This Rachael Ray 3 piece bakeware set contains a 1½ and a 2 qt casserole dish with lid.
You can buy this online at Amazon — See the latest price on this bakeware here.
Best for fruit cobblers, aside from the obvious casseroles slow-cooked in the oven… It’s versatile. …You can make a cake in the casserole dish, leaving the lid off — Just make sure to line it with parchment baking paper so you can lift the cake out of the stoneware.
It comes in a stylish rustic look with the cool Agave Blue color.
These are versatile because each can go from the oven to your table. And leftovers can be stored in the same container in the refrigerator. It’s not a ceramic pot that can go on the stove top however.
Stoneware is another type of fired ceramic ware.
This product is oven safe to 500°F (see what this means in ºC). The ceramic bakeware with lid is versatile and can also be used in the microwave and for storing, not only in the refrigerator but also in the freezer. However, always, avoid extreme temperature changes, which is advisable for most kitchen products, especially solid ceramic or glass types.
It is dishwasher safe.
The Rachael Ray brand is distributed by the Meyer Corporation with manufacturing facilities in the US, Italy, and Asia.
Pros of the Rachael Ray Cucina stoneware baking dish set
Fresh color. Easy to clean. Versatile. A bargain for the price.
Cons
Some reviewers claim the bases are a little rough. Best to place on a heat mat or board. The lid is loose-fitting, so take care when transferring from oven to table or refrigerator.
Where to buy Rachael Ray baking dish set: Amazon has it (click link above) or you can shop at…
CasaWare nonstick ceramic baking set
The CasaWare bakeware set contains non stick ceramic bakeware that includes a 7″ x 11″ x 1.5″ baking pan, a 9″ loaf pan, and a 6-cup muffin pan. This 3 piece nonstick bakeware is stated as having a heat tolerance to 450ºF.
CasaWare Toaster Oven 3-Piece Set
available at Amazon
This bakeware has nonstick ceramic coating.
These granite pans have a 0.6 mm carbon steel inner and a ceramic coating that gives them the nonstick effect. The coating is free of toxins, cadmium, lead, PFOA, PTFE, and PFOS and is FDA — approved under the California Proposition 65 and EU requirements.
The ceramic non-stick technology from the CasaWare Company makes this set very easy to clean and the food slides off easily. The exterior has a ceramic coating while the interior coating is a textured ceramic nonstick type.
Can be used in a toaster oven as well as a standard oven. Not for the microwave.
Pros of the CasaWare nonstick
Has good reviews about the quality you get for the price. Will be easy to clean by hand. There is no need to grease the pans as the baked goods won’t stick and should glide out of the pans.
Cons
Seller advises to not immerse these in water (assuming this means soaking them). Advertized as suitable for toaster ovens but best to check sizes as toaster ovens vary and the loaf pan and the baking pan are too large for some to fit nicely.
CasaWare also makes a ceramic cookie sheet and baking pan set that matches.
Where to buy CasaWare set: You can get it at Amazon (see link above), or…
Farberware hybrid nonstick ceramic bakeware review
This is a hybrid ceramic baking system.
Farberware purecook Hybrid Ceramic Nonstick Baking Pan
available at Amazon
The baking pans have an interior and exterior surface comprising a hybrid ceramic coating, which makes the surface nonstick. The benefit of this, of course, is that there is no need to grease the dishes! and a super easy cleanup!
The quilted surface is so the pan remains stable (no warping) and helps with even results.
The seller claims ceramic nonstick coating resists flaking and chipping and reviewers confirm that it is long-lasting.
This product is oven safe to 500°F. It has wide rims for handling with mitts when placing the pans in and out of the oven.
It is versatile and can also be used in the microwave and for storing in the refrigerator. However, it is not suited to use with direct flames or an induction cooker.
This product’s nonstick coating is a hybrid of ceramic and silicone that is non-PTFE and is PFOA-free. More on this below.
Pros of Farberware hybrid
Fresh color. Attractive design. Durable. Versatile – great for parties. Very affordable.
Cons
Not for induction ovens or direct flames. It is best to avoid metal utensils. Though, the food should easily slip out without the need to reach for these.
Where to buy Farberware hybrid pans: Amazon (see link above):
Ceramic nonstick bundt pan by CasaWare
Here’s another one from the CasaWare company with nonstick properties that are toxin free — a 9 by 4 inch ceramic bundt cake pan, or otherwise called a fluted cake pan.
CasaWare Fluted Cake Pan
available at Amazon
In a fresh color, this ceramic coated fluted cake pan is very easy to clean and perfect for an evenly baked cake out of the pan. Great for cakes and pull-apart breads. It will hold 10 cups, so not a small bundt pan.
This pan comes in red or blue and is constructed with a double coated ceramic surface over a 0.7 mm steel interior and is said to withstand up to 536°F oven temperatures.
Pros of the CasaWare flute pan
A good size. Easy to clean by hand. No greasing of pan required. Baked items just slide out.
Where to Buy CasaWare bundt pan: You can get this at Amazon (see link above), or…
Cons
Avoid soaking. Do not use in the microwave. Not for the dishwasher…though, these are so easy to clean by hand, why would you? Exterior of pan will mark with use.
Staub set oven to table bakeware set
Staub Ceramics Rectangular Baking Dish Set, 2-Piece
available at Amazon
These 100% ceramic rectangular/square baking dishes are ideal for slices, desserts, pasta dishes, and a heap of other foods, such as baked potatoes or roast meat and vegetables. They are so versatile.
Staub is a premium French cookware manufacturer and its products are used in restaurants around the world. The design of these dishes made by Staub makes them great as a serving dish also.
Here are two stackable baking dishes to save you shelf room. The vitreous glass porcelain-enamel finish is highly scratch-resistant and ensures the dishes won’t absorb moisture.
These hold the heat really well, better than metal pans, and so are great for table serving as they will keep the food warmer for longer.
Using ceramic bakeware rather than metal pans is also better for your cooking results. The ceramic works to heat the food evenly, meaning you are less likely to have burnt edges and also less burnt pans.
They are also more versatile than metal pans as you can use them in the microwave, freezer, broiler, and oven (up to 572 ºF).
The shape makes these dishes ideal for cooking long vegetables as well as desserts and slices.
Pros of the Staub baking set
Versatile. Use in cooking or serving. Good price. Pure taste – no leaching of chemicals. Dishwasher safe.
Cons
No lids.
Recommended places to buy Staub ceramic:
What is hybrid ceramic bakeware?
This is a name used by brands such as Silverstone and Farberware, both owned by Meyer. It refers to the non stick ceramic coating applied to their bakeware.
Hybrid ceramic comprises a coating of ceramic blended with a silicone base so it doesn’t crack or chip with the flexing of the bakeware. It is a traditional nonstick coating for bakeware and involves silicone polyester with the ceramic coating. Like other non stick ceramic, it is rated as PFOA and PTFE free.
How to care for your non stick bakeware
To lengthen the life and enjoyment of your best baking pans, consider whether they have a non-stick coating, which can be worn from metals that scrap the surface.
If so, you need to avoid using metal utensils when filling or emptying those baking pans. Always use baking tools, spoons and spatulas, that are silicone, plastic, wood, nylon, or bamboo with your baking goods when using non stick ceramic baking dishes.
The same care when cooking is needed when you are cleaning these nonstick bakeware dishes.
The nonstick cookie sheet pans and cake pans, like all nonstick ovenware, are super easy to clean and keep clean. So avoid using harsh scourers. Just wipe with a paper towel or a wet cloth.
Avoid placing them in the dishwasher as they could get damaged by the swinging arms of the dishwater or the utensils placed inside.
When storing, keep them separate or if you do nest them inside each another, make sure to use a separator, either a cloth or paper towel. You can also purchase pan protectors at Amazon for varying types of cookware. This will to keep them smooth and free of scratches.
Pan Protectors for Stacking Pots and Pans available at Amazon
Where to shop online for ceramic bakeware
You can find bakeware on Amazon, which is especially great if you are a Prime customer. You should also check out:
- Ceramcor for their 100% ceramic wares
- Caraway Home for ceramic coated bakeware
- Zwilling for Staub premium ceramic bakeware
- Check for sales at Farberware Bakeware online!
FAQs
Is ceramic good for baking cakes?
Ceramic nonstick metal pans are good for baking cakes but the pure ceramic bakeware is not ideal for this as the cake will take longer to cook through and may not rise so well. Metal pans heat faster. They conduct the heat better than ceramic ones and so are the usual sort used for cooking cakes.
What is the best bakeware material?
Ceramic is the best bakeware material for a number of reasons as I cover in this article. They include heat distribution for perfect cooking and no leaching of metals into the food.
I hope the above guide helps you choose the best bakeware for you or get to know some of the best bakeware brands at least. For info on pie weights, jump over to my article on options including items are pantry staples.